USDA launches screwworm website
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has launched a new website to provide information about a parasitic fly that could be a threat to livestock. Stakeholders in the industry can find information about the screwworm at the New World screwworm (NWS) website, screwworm.gov.
The federal government is planning to implement a five-pronged plan after the invasive parasite was discovered in Mexico not far from the U.S. border. Part of the plan involved the opening of a $8.5 million sterile New World screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in South Texas last month, and providing millions of dollars to help stop screwworm spread in Mexico.
“To ensure timely and effective communications, this new unified website will be a one stop shop for all screwworm related information and will help our stakeholders be better informed as new information comes available,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “We are grateful for the robust interagency collaboration, and we continue to work every day with our state and industry partners to implement our screwworm plan. This is a national security priority and it has the full attention of our team.”
Screwworm.gov has targeted resources for a wide range of stakeholders including livestock producers, veterinarians, animal health officials, wildlife professionals, healthcare providers, pet owners, researchers, drug manufacturers, and the general public. It also has the latest USDA-verified information on cases and response activities in Mexico and U.S. preparedness efforts.
This new site was built with customers in mind and will help all visitors to the Screwworm.gov website, whether they are protecting their herds, traveling internationally with or without pets, endorsing health certificates, conducting research, seeking answers to questions, or looking for other ways to help. USDA will continue to work with our partners to update and enhance this site to ensure it has the latest information and updates.
Screwworms can be a threat to humans as well. They burrow into a host and can be lethal if untreated.